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SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua participated in the recently held first General Membership Meeting for 2024 organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. SGV Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza with psychologist Lillian Gui The meeting, themed "Driving Purposeful Change," saw an exchange of insights and best practices among IIAP members and Internal Audit professionals, including SGV representatives. The meeting emphasized how aligning actions with a definite purpose can drive meaningful changes. IIAP 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers The event also marked the induction of the 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers. Chin was inducted as a new IIAP Trustee and Technical Standards & Research Committee Chair. Chin facilitated the session titled "Mapping the Path for Purposeful Personal Transformation." She discussed the key aspects of initiating personal and organizational changes aligning with the vision and mission of the organization. Other plenary discussions during the meeting were on "Corporate Governance Leadership: Strategies for Driving Purposeful Change" and "Internal Audit's Role in Steering Organization's Visionary Drive for Change." Manager Arjane Mae Isla, Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Manager Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore Chin and Ryan were joined by Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, Managers Arjane Mae Isla and Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore.

SGV paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The discussions revolved around PAGCOR’s approach to money laundering and terrorist financing, which involve strategies in line with the national policy and sanctions in the casino industry.  (From left to right) FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, PAGCOR Assistant Vice-President, AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega Attendees included PAGCOR AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Assistant Vice-President Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, Asia Pacific Financial Services Organization (FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid. More key points discussed during the meeting included adaptation to regulatory demands, data quality improvement, innovation, and collaboration. SGV showcased its support for covered organizations through first-generation capabilities, technological advancements, and collaboration in domains such as Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Forensics & Integrity Services, and Technology and Cybersecurity.

SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Beyond Compliance: Transcending Regulatory, Tax Challenges and Opportunities.” The two-day event was held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 200 participants per day attended the event. Tax Conference Committee Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See talks about the BIR’s 2024 Priority Plans Tax Partner Aaron Escartin during his lecture on gearing up for annual income tax activities Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See discussed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR’s) 2024 Priority Plans and recent regulatory updates, while Tax Partner Aaron Escartin discussed the essentials and dos and don’ts in preparing the 2024 Annual Income Tax Return, which is due for filing on 15 April 2024. Aaron also joined a roundtable discussion with Tax Partner Atty. Thyrza Marbas on Day 1. PAS Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes receives certificate and token of appreciation People Advisory Services (PAS) – Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes was the guest speaker for Day 2. She discussed the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 Pillar and highlighted its global and local tax impacts. Atty. Fidela, along with the other Day 2 speakers also addressed questions and clarifications from the audience during the roundtable moderated by Maricris. Earvin, Peter, Sonia, Aileen, Maricris, and Meynard pose for a group photo PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers.

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Michael A. Madlangbayan was the resource speaker at the SGV Tax Basics Seminar (Tax BaSe) workshop on Income Tax Computation and Return Preparation held at the SGV Clark office. Michael at the SGV Tax BaSe workshop Michael discussed basic and updated income tax concepts, including guidance on the computation, filing and payment, substantiation/documentation, and administrative requirements. Leo (left) and Michael (right) during the Q&A session Atty. Margaux delivers the closing remarks Michael was also joined by GCR Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño in the question-and-answer session. SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula delivered the closing remarks. GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay facilitates polling questions The session was hosted by GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay, who also facilitated the Q&A session and knowledge checks during the discussion through a series of polling questions. Participants during the practical exercises The workshop was held to prepare participants for the Annual Income Tax Return filing deadline on 15 April 2024. The workshop registered the highest number of attendees in the Tax BaSe series in SGV Clark this fiscal year.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte spoke at an event on Understanding Sustainability in Business at De La Salle University Laguna on 20 March 2024. Among the topics covered in Benjie’s talk were the practices of various industries engaged in sustainability initiatives. Benjie at the DLSU Laguna Campus lecture on sustainability DLSU Laguna Campus Vice President and Dean of the School of Innovation and Sustainability Dr. Jonathan Dungca delivered the opening remarks, focusing on the opportunities among students and faculty in the field of sustainability.  DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza DLSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and SGV alumnus Dr. Rufo Mendoza was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave an overview of his book Understanding Sustainability in Business. The book was produced with the assistance of the SGV Foundation (SGVF). Dr. Mendoza also explained the pillars of sustainability and approaches.

SGV Consulting Leader Rossana A. Fajardo was a key speaker at ISACA Manila Chapter’s International Women’s Day webinar titled “Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment.” This webinar was the first IWD collaboration event between ISACA Manila, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, and Auckland and the New Zealand Network for Women in Security (NZNWS). It was held via Zoom on 7 March 2024. Rossana at the ISACA Manila IWD webinar Rossana highlighted the critical role that women play in the tech industry and the importance of addressing gender disparities within the sector. She offered various ways to close this gap, including nurturing girls' interest in STEM, hiring with a focus on gender balance, and supporting women's potential as leaders. She urged managers to back women in STEM leadership roles and called for society as a whole and government bodies to endorse tech careers for women and help finance the workforce's shift. Rossana talks about SGV/EY initiatives that support women in technology She further spotlighted two SGV and EY initiatives propelling this cause – the Women in Technology (WiT) program and the EY STEM App. The WiT program fosters the involvement and leadership of women in tech. It comprises educational programs to enhance girls' STEM skills and interest, mentorship to cultivate female tech leadership, support for women tech entrepreneurs, and efforts to diversify the tech workforce. The EY STEM App, a free gamified platform targeting girls aged 13-18, seeks to stimulate interest in STEM fields. The app offers convenient access to engaging content, empowering girls to take control of their learning progress.  Rossana with some of the webinar participants Rossana concluded her talk by encouraging the participants to continue upskilling and sharpening their tech competencies. She cited her personal career transition from an auditor to a tech consultant as an example. For the Q&A session with ISACA Manila members, Rossana emphasized the value of women in leadership roles, explaining that such diversity allows for a more holistic approach toward decision-making within companies.

Financial Services Organization (FSO) Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco is now a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Jennifer received confirmation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) in December 2023 that after completing a series of courses, trainings, and practice exams, she has now met all requirements for PMP certification. FSO Senior Associate Jennifer A. Climaco, CPA, CLSSGB, PMP The PMP credential validates that its bearers have project management proficiency, real-world project leadership experience, and sound professional ethics. Covering distinct areas such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project, the examination tests one's proficiency in managing people, processes, and business priorities in any industry or methodology.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

SGV conducted a briefing on the Philippine business climate for members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Mission on 29 January 2024 at the Bayanihan Conference Room in SGV Makati. The Trade Mission provided participants a first-hand view of potential investment opportunities in the country to the member-delegates.  SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula (left) and former Ambassador Delia D. Albert (right) during the briefing SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula together with former Ambassador Delia D. Albert welcomed the delegates to SGV. They were joined by SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his message SGV Strategy and Transactions Senior Manager Lester Jeff D. Pawid led the discussion on the country’s economic outlook, providing an overview of the Philippine economy and then discussing Philippine macroeconomic, industrial and policy updates.  Lester leads discussion on the Philippines’ economic outlook The discussion was followed by an open forum, where Lester was joined by Atty. Margaux. They answered questions from the delegates and discussed priority industries, renewable energy, and promotion of sustainability in the country, among others. SGV Partners and Managers with the BCC Trade Mission delegates Hon. Consul General Senen Mangalile and BCC Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Kathie Lee also delivered their respective remarks during the event. They were joined by delegates from the BCC: BCC President & CEO Randy Peers, BCC Manager of Global Affairs Avi Leshes, Industry City Managing Partner Jim Somoza, GreenPower Associates CEO Ian Minerve, President/CEO of Marous Law and VA for Professionals Gabriel J. Marous, Esq., Seek Health AI Founder & CEO Kim de los Reyes, Seek Health AI Co-founder & CTO Jeff Bargmann, and Filipino Community Leader in New York City Roberto Dumaual. On 1 February 2024, the delegates also visited the Clark Freeport Zone. They met with representatives from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC). The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) gave them a tour of the Clark Activity Center. They also toured New Clark City and areas within the Clark Freeport Zone. The Trade Mission was organized by the Office of the Philippine Consulate General in New York in collaboration with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. 

SGV tabulated the results of The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards held on 28 January 2024 at Shangri-la The Fort. The tabulation team was headed by EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan. EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan and Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison at The Business Manual’s 1st CEO Awards The SGV tabulators were EY Philippines Private Leader and Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Assurance Manager Krys Joanne J. Adison, and Senior Associates Casey Andrea D. Abejar and Hersheyllane A. Gilbuena. SGV supports similar events that allow the Firm and its members to make purposeful connections and celebrate accomplished Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders.  ​ The Business Manual honored 20 of the country’s most influential CEOs, leaders who have displayed exemplary leadership in their respective industries and made significant societal contributions. Five CEOs who embody the publication’s values in line with its mission to Engage, Inspire, Empower, and Educate aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs were also honored during the event.   CEO awardees (left) and Entrepreneurial Excellence awardees (right) “The CEO Awards recognize the remarkable contributions of visionary leaders whose relentless dedication have fostered innovations, shaped industries, and set benchmarks for excellence in our country,” The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief RJ Ledesma said. Read more on The Business Manual: https://thebusinessmanual-onemega.com/

SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz and SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, along with other members of the Makati Business Club (MBC), met with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Bryant Fernandez in January 2024.   MBC-SEC meeting attendees (Photos courtesy of MBC) They discussed the revised guidelines on Sustainability Reporting, which would require companies to submit more evironmental, social and governance (ESG) information following global metrics. MBC representatives shared concerns around the challenges of getting some of the required disclosures. SGV served as MBC's technical adviser last year for an MBC report on the State of Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines, which was also shared with the SEC as a policy input. The SEC has required publicly listed companies to submit an annual sustainability report since 2019. The MBC’s work on sustainability and access to information is supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise, a US-based institute that works to support democracy and to strengthen the private sector.